Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots
When establishing the boot sequence, first establish the boot order of devices within device type groups, then select the boot order of device types.
1.Enter the BIOS Setup Utility (see Entering the BIOS Setup Utility).
2.Use the left- and
3.Use the
NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.
4.Set up the boot priority of devices in device types:
a.Use the down- and
b.On the Removable Drives screen, use the up- and down- arrow keys to highlight 1st Drive, and then press <Enter>.
c.In the Options
d.Repeat this step for each of the remaining device types: Hard Disk Drives, USB Drives, CD/DVD Drives, and Network Drives.
5.Set up the boot priority of device types:
a.On the Boot Sequence sub screen, use the up- and
b.In the Options
c.Repeat this step for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Boot Devices to establish the boot sequence order of device types the computer will attempt to boot from.
6.Press <F10> and then press <Enter> to save your settings and reboot your system.
Select Specific Boot Device
During system startup, you can select any bootable device, such as an internal or external hard drive, an external CD or DVD drive, USB memory key, or external floppy drive, without changing the boot device sequence in the BIOS. This feature is useful when booting to an external DVD drive to run Dell Diagnostics from the Dell Drivers and Utilities media, and returning to your normal boot sequence during the next system startup.
1.Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2.When the Dell logo appears, promptly press <F12> repeatedly until the Boot Device Menu appears.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to load the system until you see the operating system desktop. Then shut down your computer and try again.
3.Use the up- and
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: This process erases both the system and administrator passwords.
1.Perform the procedure in Before Working on Your Computer.
2.Remove the jumper from the password jumper (PSWD) pins on the system board (see System Board Connectors).
3.Perform the procedure in After Working on Your Computer.
4.Restart your computer and allow it to boot to the operating system desktop.
5.Shut down your computer.